Makoto Tachibana (橘 真琴, Tachibana Makoto) is a main character of the anime series Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club. He is a second year student and Iwatobi High School, alongside his bestfriend Haruka Nanase, and first year friends Nagisa Hazuki and Rei Ryugazaki. He is in the same class as Haruka, as they were in their first year.

Makoto was in a swimming club with Haruka, Nagisa and Rin Matsuoka in their earlier years, but after the closure of the club, Makoto only remained close to Haruka, with Rin moving to Australia and Nagisa going to a different school. The four of them are reunited, but not in the way they were expecting. Nagisa had transferred to Iwatobi High, and Rin had moved back from Australia, only to attend Samezuka Academy, and become their rival.

He, Haruka and Nagisa take the initiative to start up a school swimming club, the Iwatobi Swim Club, Makoto becoming the captain, in hopes that they can return their childhood friend Rin.

Makoto is a kind, well-mannered individual. He is relatively outgoing and and considering, often speaking up for Haruka due to his quieter demeanor. He is easy to talk to and get along with, however it is also noted that he is a bit of a scaredy-cat, and can be frightened with ease.

Makoto is tall in stature, the tallest of his friends, giving him a leaner appearance. He has a slightly tanned complexion, along with olive brown hair and green eyes. He has an excellent physique from his swimming, seen being well muscled.

Alike Haruka and other members, he is seen as a bishōnen character.

He is depicted as a kind individual. He watches over others but insist they don't worry about him. He is Haruka Nanase's best friend and confidant.

Makoto, Haruka, Nagisa and Rin were all friends when they were younger, and all in the same swim club. They competed in and won a relay together, burying the trophy they won on the grounds of their club pool, promising to dig it up when they were older. Not long after that Rin moved away, Nagisa attended a different school to him and Haruka.